Lessons Learned from Two Weeks in Southeast Asia: Tips for Future Travelers

There’s something about traveling through Southeast Asia that changes you. Whether it's the sensory overload of the bustling markets, the serenity of ancient temples, or the unforgettable street food that sticks with you, every experience teaches you something new—about the world and about yourself. After spending two weeks in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, I’ve come away with a few hard-earned lessons and some tips that I wish I’d known before setting off on this adventure.

So if you’re planning your own trip to Southeast Asia, here are some lessons learned and tips to help make your travels smoother, more enjoyable, and a lot less stressful.

1. Travel Planning: Early Arrangements = Less Stress

One of the best decisions we made was arranging transportation ahead of time, especially when arriving in new cities. After landing in Hanoi, we already had transportation booked to our hotel, which made things so much easier while we were still figuring out the local currency and which taxis were legit.

Southeast Asia has a ton of affordable and reliable transportation options, including Grab (the local version of Uber), so make sure to download the app before your trip. Pre-booking transportation, especially for airport pickups or long distances, can save you the hassle of negotiating prices and worrying about scams. In busy cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, having a car waiting for you when you land is a game-changer.

• Tip: Download Grab for easy, on-demand taxis and motorbikes. It’s available in most major cities in Southeast Asia and is incredibly easy to use.

2. Packing Smart: Keep It Light (and Respectful)

If I could go back and re-pack, I’d bring half the amount of clothing and twice the amount of sunscreen. The weather in Southeast Asia can be hot and humid, and laundry services are super affordable, so there’s really no need to overpack. I learned the hard way when our bags were over the weight limit for some domestic flights (cue a stressful Ryan at the airport).

Another key takeaway is to pack respectfully, especially if you plan on visiting temples. Southeast Asia is home to some of the most breathtaking temples in the world, but you need to dress modestly to enter. This means covering your shoulders and knees. I ended up buying a hat and extra shirt in Hue to help beat the heat while staying respectful during temple visits.

• Tip: Pack light, but make sure to include a couple of items that cover your shoulders and knees for temple visits. I brought a light scarf with me everywhere that I could whip out of my bag and use to cover my shoulders or legs as needed. You can easily buy what you need at local markets, too!

3. Timing Your Tours: Think About When You’ll Want to Eat

One lesson we quickly learned: time your food tours wisely. In Hanoi, we made the rookie mistake of doing a street food tour during the middle of the day. The food was incredible (no complaints there), but afterward, we were so stuffed that we couldn’t eat dinner—and if you know me, you know that skipping a meal is a crime.

When we got to Hue, we smartened up and booked a street food tour during dinner time instead. This way, we enjoyed a full night of culinary adventures without ruining our appetite for later. Plus, Hue’s evening street food scene felt a little more laid-back, which was perfect after a long day of sightseeing.

• Tip: Book food tours in the evening, especially if you’re a foodie and want to make the most of every meal. Midday food tours can leave you too full to enjoy dinner.

4. Currency Exchange: Know Before You Go

Getting used to the local currency can take some time. In Vietnam, for example, the Vietnamese Dong has so many zeros that it can feel like Monopoly money. At first, we found ourselves doing the math (10,000 VND = about 43 cents USD) every time we made a purchase, which got tiring fast.

The best trick? Download a currency converter app and take a few minutes before your trip to familiarize yourself with how much things cost. Knowing what’s considered a reasonable price will help you bargain more confidently in markets and avoid being overcharged, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Once we got the hang of it, we were able to spot deals, like grabbing a pair of "Gucci" sunglasses for under $5 in Hanoi.

• Tip: Use a currency converter app to help with quick conversions. And don’t be afraid to bargain, especially at markets!

5. Cultural Norms: A Little Goes a Long Way

One thing that really stood out to us was how important it is to respect the local culture. In Vietnam, for example, public displays of affection—like kissing—are considered inappropriate. It’s one of those things you might not think about until you’re there, but understanding the cultural norms helps you avoid awkward situations.

We also learned that it’s considered impolite to touch people’s heads in Thailand, and pointing your feet toward others (especially statues of Buddha) is a no-no. In Cambodia, modesty is especially important in religious sites like Angkor Wat, where covering your shoulders and knees is mandatory.

• Tip: Do a little research on cultural norms before arriving in each country. Understanding what’s expected will help you blend in and show respect for the local customs.

6. Know What to Skip: It’s Okay to Say No

It’s easy to feel like you need to check off every single box on your travel itinerary, but one lesson we learned is that sometimes it’s better to skip an activity in favor of something more relaxing. For example, we decided to pass on the crowded cave tour in Halong Bay, and instead, we stayed on the boat and enjoyed the peaceful scenery from the deck. It was one of the best decisions we made—no regrets.

Similarly, when our van stopped at a touristy water puppet show on the way back from Halong Bay, we politely opted out and ended up getting back to Hanoi early, giving us extra time to explore the night market. If something doesn’t sound fun to you, don’t feel obligated to do it just because it’s on the list of “must-see” attractions.

• Tip: Don’t be afraid to say no. If something feels too touristy or crowded, skip it and use that time to do something that better suits your travel style.

7. Jet Lag is Real: Adjust Accordingly

Southeast Asia is no small trip, especially if you’re coming from the U.S. We were dealing with some serious jet lag for the first few days, which is why we didn’t last long past 6:30 PM during our first night in Hanoi. By the time we got to Halong Bay, the jet lag was still kicking in, but we made the most of it by waking up early to catch beautiful sunrises.

My advice? Give yourself some grace in the first few days of your trip. Adjusting to the time zone takes time, so plan lighter activities early on and take advantage of the early mornings when the cities are quieter. Your body will thank you.

• Tip: Plan for jet lag in the first few days and don’t overbook yourself with activities. It’s okay to ease into the trip!

Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure, Learn Along the Way

Traveling through Southeast Asia was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. From navigating chaotic motorbike traffic in Vietnam to savoring the spices of Thai street food, each day brought new lessons. But the biggest lesson of all? Embrace the unexpected. Travel is full of surprises—some delightful, some frustrating—but they’re all part of the adventure.

If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia, take these tips to heart, but also be open to learning your own lessons along the way. Whether it’s getting used to the local currency, knowing when to skip an activity, or mastering the art of bargaining in the markets, every experience will leave you with a story to tell.

Useful Resources for Future Travelers:

• Grab App: Download Grab for easy rides in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.

• Currency Converter: XE Currency Converter – Perfect for quick conversions on the go.